Food Safety Team Finds Multiple Hygiene Violations

The food safety team of the Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) has identified multiple food safety and hygiene violations during an inspection at Barbeque Nation in GSM Mall, Madinaguda, Hyderabad. The inspection revealed poor sanitation, inadequate record-keeping, and non-compliance with food safety regulations. Officials have recommended an improvement notice and directed the restaurant to take corrective measures.

Cockroach Infestation Raises Hygiene Concerns

Inspectors found a cockroach infestation in the fruit storage area and near the refrigerators, raising concerns about pest control and hygiene. They also observed unclean vegetable crates and water bubble containers, indicating poor sanitation practices in the food preparation and storage areas. The inspection further revealed that the restaurant had not maintained the mandatory records for food testing, packaging materials, and pest control. Officials also found chopping boards in poor condition, which could pose a risk of cross-contamination.

Unlabelled Desserts Discarded

During the inspection, the food safety team found brownies and kulfi in paan, malai, and kesar pista variants without proper labels. Officials immediately discarded the unlabelled food items to prevent their use.

Chinese Wok Also Found Violating Food Safety Norms

In a separate inspection at Chinese Wok, also located in GSM Mall, the food safety team identified several violations. Inspectors found that the restaurant had assigned a 36-hour shelf-life to cooked rice without laboratory validation to support the practice.

The team also found that the restaurant had not maintained food testing records, packaging material records, or annual medical fitness certificates for food handlers. Officials observed that incoming eggs were used without cleaning, one food handler had untrimmed nails, and water taps near the rice and noodles preparation area were unclean. They also noted that the restaurant had not displayed its FSSAI licence prominently.

Authorities Direct Both Restaurants to Take Corrective Action

Based on the findings, the food safety team recommended improvement notices to both Barbeque Nation and Chinese Wok. Officials directed the restaurants to rectify the identified deficiencies, strengthen hygiene and pest control measures, maintain mandatory records, and comply with food safety regulations to ensure consumer safety.

Source: The Hindu

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